Roof vent for supporting a solar panel

ABSTRACT

A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 61/907,529, filed Nov. 22, 2013, thefull disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to roofs for buildings, andspecifically to integration of solar panels into roofs.

2. Description of the Related Art

For decades, builders and solar power companies have installed solarpanels onto the roofs of buildings. The solar panels absorb solarradiation that can be stored in a solar cell, advantageously providing afree source of power for the building. Such solar panels are generallyrigid and flat in shape, and are supported on the roof of the buildingwith a supporting frame or other structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One problem with conventional roofs having solar panels is that thesolar panels tend to be bulky and can be difficult to install onto aroof that is covered with roof cover elements, such as tiles. Solarpanels can also become inefficient at increased temperatures, which canoccur, for example, with roof structures that lack sufficientventilation.

In one aspect, a roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. Theroof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. Thevent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof coverelement. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion,the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solarpanel support element is attached to the vent member.

In another aspect, a roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided.The vent includes an upper vent member with a mounting hole extendingthrough an exposed upper surface. A solar panel support element isattached to the upper vent member and configured to support a solarpanel at a position above the upper vent member.

In some implementations, the solar panel support element includes a bodywith a body hole extending through the body such that the body hole andthe mounting hole are coaxially aligned. In some implementations, thebody extends upwardly from the upper surface of the upper vent member.

In some implementations, the solar panel support element includes a bodywith a hole extending through the body.

In some implementations, the upper surface of the upper portion of thevent member is curvilinear. In some implementations, the solar panelsupport element is positioned on an apex of the upper surface.

In some implementations, the upper vent member includes an upper portionand a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portionby a gap, further including a second solar panel support elementpositioned between the upper and lower portions. In someimplementations, the second solar panel support element extends from anupper surface of the lower portion towards a lower surface of the upperportion. In some implementations, the second solar panel support elementextends between and connects a lower surface of the upper portion to anupper surface of the lower portion.

In some implementations, the mounting hole includes a first mountinghole extending through the upper portion, further including a secondmounting hole extending through the lower portion and coaxially alignedwith the first mounting hole. In some implementations, the first solarpanel support element includes a first body with a first body holeextending through the first body and coaxially aligned with the firstmounting hole, the second solar panel support element including a secondbody with a second body hole extending through the second body andcoaxially aligned with the second mounting hole, and wherein the firstbody hole, the second body hole, the first mounting hole, and the secondmounting hole are coaxially aligned with respect to each other. In someimplementations, the lower portion of the upper vent member furtherincludes two screens laterally separated with respect to each other onthe lower portion, with the second mounting hole positioned between thetwo screens, and wherein the screens are configured to permit airflowbetween a region below the lower portion and the gap.

In some implementations, the solar panel support element includes a baseconfigured to attach to a roof deck, and an extension member configuredto extend upwardly from the base and through the mounting hole. In someimplementations, the roof vent further includes a lower vent memberpermitting airflow between a region below a roof deck and a regionbetween the roof deck and the upper vent member, wherein the lower ventmember is laterally offset with respect to the upper vent member. Insome implementations, the solar panel support element further includesan offsetting member positioned between the extension member and thebase, wherein the offsetting member extends laterally from the base. Insome implementations, the vent further includes a lower vent memberpermitting airflow between a region below the roof deck and a regionbetween the roof deck and the upper vent member, and wherein the uppervent member, the extension member, and the lower vent member areapproximately aligned with respect to each other. In someimplementations, the upper vent member comprises an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by agap, wherein the extension member is configured to extend through theupper portion and the lower portion.

In another aspect, a method of providing support for a solar panel on aroof is provided. The method includes installing a lower vent memberonto an opening of a roof deck to allow airflow between a region belowthe roof deck and a region above the lower vent member. The method alsoincludes installing an upper vent member above the lower vent member, toallow airflow between the region above the lower vent member and aregion above the upper vent member. Installing the upper vent memberincludes extending an extension member through an opening extendingthrough an upper exposed surface of the upper vent member.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention havebeen described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that notnecessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordancewith any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may beembodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a tile roof.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a support frame for supporting a solarpanel on a roof.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a tile roof comprising S-shaped tilesand having a plurality of S-shaped tile vents.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the S-shaped tile ventof FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the S-shaped tile vent of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of anS-shaped tile vent.

FIG. 2E is a bottom view of the S-shaped tile vent of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2F is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment ofan S-shaped vent including a roof-deck mounted solar support element.

FIG. 2G is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the portion ofthe S-shaped vent and roof-deck mounted solar support element of FIG.2F.

FIG. 2H is a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar panel supportelement.

FIG. 2I is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment ofan S-shaped vent configured to support a solar panel on a portion of aroof deck.

FIG. 2J is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flashing memberconfigured for use with a solar panel support element.

FIG. 2K is an embodiment of a solar panel support element positionedabove a primary vent member.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a tile roof comprising flat tiles andhaving a flat tile vent.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the flat tile vent of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the flat tile vent of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an M-shaped tile vent and a roofscreen.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the M-shaped tile vent of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an M-shaped tile vent and a roof screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary tile roof 10 comprising a roof frame 12, aroof deck 14 supported on the roof frame 12, and a layer 16 of roofcover elements. In this embodiment, the roof cover element layer 16comprises a layer of tiles 18. However, the roof cover elements mayalternatively comprise other elements, such as shingles (e.g., made ofsteel, metal, composition material, wood, or other materials). The tiles18 may be formed of, e.g., metal, clay, concrete, plastic, or othermaterials. The roof frame 12 may comprise rafters 13 that extend from anupper ridge (not shown) of the roof to a lower eave (not shown). Theroof frame 12 may also comprise purlins (not shown) that extendsubstantially parallel to the ridge and eave and substantiallyperpendicular to the rafters 13. The roof deck 14 typically comprisesplywood, metal, or some type of alloy (e.g., steel) sheeting. The roofcover element layer 16 typically comprises a plurality of tiles 18supported on battens 20 oriented substantially parallel to the ridge andeave (and substantially perpendicular to the rafters 13). In theillustrated roof 10, each batten 20 directly supports an upper edge of atile 18, which in turn supports a lower edge of an immediately adjacenttile 18. In this arrangement, water tends to flow over each tile's loweredge onto another tile 18. The illustrated tiles 18 are flat tiles, asknown in the art. Alternative tile shapes are also possible, includingso-called “S-shaped” or “M-shaped” tiles, which are described below, andmany other tile shapes. As used herein, the terms “flat tile,” “S-shapedtile,” and “M-shaped tile” are to be construed as having theirunderstood meanings within the roofing industry. It will be understoodthat the roof cover elements may be formed of a variety of materials,such as, without limitation, wood shingles, composition shingles, metalshingles, steel shingles, metal (e.g., sheet metal) tiles, clay tiles,concrete tiles, plastic tiles, or other materials.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a support frame 100 for supporting asolar panel on a roof, such as the roof 10 shown in FIG. 1A. Frame 100can include rails 101 with fasteners 102 to secure a solar panel to therails 101. Frame 100 can include feet 103 to secure frame 100 to a roof.Frame 100 can be any shape suitable to support a solar panel on a roof,and the shape shown in FIG. 1A is for illustrative purposes only.

It can be difficult to mount frame 100 to a roof, such as a sloped roof.For example, it can be difficult to attach a solar panel supportstructure, such as frame 100 (FIG. 1B) onto a roof that is covered inroof elements, such as tiles, because the tiles prevent access to theroof, and the support structure cannot be bolted directly to the tiles.Additionally, solar panels can become inefficient at increasedtemperatures, which may occur, for example, on roofs with limited or noventilation. Thus, it may be advantageous to provide a roof vent thatcan both provide infrastructure for mounting solar panels, whileproviding ventilation to the interior of the home, underneath the roofelements, and to the solar panels themselves.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a section of a pitched tile roof 10near an eave 60, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Theroof 10 comprises S-shaped roof tiles 18. A row of edge tiles 30 areprovided at the eave 60, and a column of edge caps 32 are provided onthe side edges of the roof 10. Ridge caps (not shown) can be provided atthe ridge (not shown). In this particular configuration, the tiles 18and 30 each include a cap area 34 and a pan area 36. The cap areas 34and pan areas 36 of vertically aligned tiles 18, 30 form cap columns andpan channels, respectively, such that the roof comprises alternatingparallel cap columns and pan channels.

The illustrated roof 10 of FIG. 2A includes a tile vent 40 preferablyadapted to blend into the roof 10 and mimic the appearance of one ormore of the roof tiles 18. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of aportion of the S-shaped tile vent of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a bottom viewof the S-shaped tile vent of FIG. 2A. The vent 40 preferably includesone or more cap sections 42 and corresponding pan sections 44. As such,each cap section 42 and corresponding pan section 44 preferably mimicsthe appearance of one cap section 34 and pan section 36, respectively.In the illustrated embodiment, the tile vent 40 mimics the appearance oftwo roof tiles 18. However, skilled artisans will appreciate that thevent 40 can mimic the appearance of any desired number of roof tiles 18,including just one roof tile 18, or more than two roof tiles 18. In thisdocument, roof cover elements (e.g., roof tiles) and roof vents (e.g.,tile vents) may be collectively referred to as “roof members.”

The illustrated tile vent 40 comprises a primary vent member (which mayalso be referred to herein as a “subflashing” or lower vent member) 43and a secondary vent member (which may also be referred to herein as a“cover” or upper vent member) 45 spaced above the primary vent member43. The primary vent member 43 is secured to the roof deck 14, over aroof deck aperture 58 thereof. The roof deck aperture 58 provides fluidcommunication between the attic 64 of the building and a space 66 (suchas a batten cavity) above the roof deck 14. The primary vent member 43includes a vent opening 46 (which may be screened, such as the primaryvent member 43 shown in FIG. 4A) that fluidly communicates with the roofdeck aperture 58. The vent opening 46 can be approximately circular,cylindrical, or other suitable shapes to allow airflow therethrough. Thevent opening 46, and primary vent member 43 can be sized, shaped, andpositioned on the roof deck 14, to allow it to fit between battens onthe roof deck 14. In some embodiments, the secondary vent member 45either lies on top of the roof or rests upon the primary vent member 43,and in some embodiments can be secured to the lower member 43. In theembodiments wherein the upper member is not secured to the lower member,the roof vent is described as an “open system” roof vent. An open systemroof vent can allow for easier installation, and can allow air flowthrough the lower member, through the batten cavity, and out throughgaps in surrounding roof elements, as well as through the upper member.In the embodiments wherein the upper member is secured to the lowermember, the roof vent is described as a “closed” roof vent, in which airflows directly from an interior attic space.

The secondary vent member 45 may be spaced generally above the primaryvent member 43. The secondary vent member 45 may be secured to theprimary vent member 43. For example, spacer elements may be used to bothsecure and space vent members 43 and 45 with respect to each other (notshown. The secondary vent member 45 can also be secured to adjacentsurrounding tiles, such as to an upper or lower tile 18, 30 (e.g., witha storm clip). While such an embodiment ensures a desired physicalrelationship between the primary vent member 43 and the secondary ventmember 45, it can also be problematic when the surrounding tiles (e.g.,18, 30, 32) are positioned inaccurately with respect to the secondaryvent member 45. In general, a high degree of skill is required in theinstallation of the tiles and tile vent(s) for accurate positioningthereof. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary vent member 45 issecured to one or more adjacent tiles in the roof's field of tiles,without being secured to the primary vent member 43. For example, thesecondary vent member 45 can be secured (e.g., by a storm clip) to alower and/or upper adjacent tile of a pitched roof (i.e., a tile in anadjacent upper or lower row). This embodiment allows for greaterflexibility in the positioning of the tiles relative to the primary ventmember 43.

The secondary vent member 45 need not be installed directly aboveprimary vent member 43. For example, in some embodiments a roof coverelement such as a tile, or other component than the secondary ventmember 45 can be installed directly above the primary vent member 43.The secondary vent member 45 can be installed above, but not directlyabove, the primary vent member 43. For example, the secondary ventmember 45 can be installed in a lateral position relative to the primaryvent member 43, such as in a position adjacent to the tile or othercomponent. Such an arrangement is described herein as having thesecondary vent member 45 laterally offset from the primary vent member43. The secondary vent member 45 can be laterally offset from theprimary vent member 43 in a position upslope (towards the ridge) ordownslope (towards the eaves) from the primary vent member 43. In otherembodiments, the secondary vent member 45 can be laterally offset fromthe primary vent member 43 in a transverse position (e.g., to the leftor right as shown, typically in a direction parallel to the ridge forcommon roof shapes) from the secondary vent member 45. The secondaryvent member 45 can be laterally offset upslope or downslope andtransverse relative to the primary vent member 43. The distance by whichthe secondary vent member 45 can be laterally offset from the primaryvent member 43 can vary. For example, the secondary vent member 45 canbe laterally adjacent to another roof cover element, such as a tile,that is positioned directly above the primary vent member 43, or can belaterally offset by two or more roof cover elements, relative to theprimary vent member 43.

The illustrated secondary vent member 45 includes a first portion or“skeleton” 41 with a vent opening 35 generally above the vent opening46. The first portion 41 may also be referred to herein as a lowerportion of secondary vent member 45. In some embodiments, the ventopening 35 is covered by a screen 37. Elongated upstanding baffles 55can be provided to help prevent wind-driven rain from flowing downthrough the vent opening 35. The cap member 42 (which also may bereferred to herein as an upper portion of the secondary vent member 45)is preferably secured to the skeleton 41 so that a ventilation space 54is formed therebetween, for example by using any of a wide variety ofdifferent types of spacer elements. The cap member 42 is preferablypositioned above the vent opening 35 to substantially prevent theingress of rain through the vent opening 35. Elongated side hems ordownward baffles 27 can be provided to help prevent wind-driven rainfrom flowing down through the vent opening 37. In use, attic air 62flows from the attic 64 through the roof deck aperture 58, vent opening46, space or batten cavity 66, vent opening 35, and ventilation space 54to the outside 65.

FIG. 2B shows a single cap section 42 above the opening 46 of theprimary vent member 43. Thus, FIG. 2B is a simplification of the tilevent 40 of FIGS. 2A and 2C, which includes two cap sections 42 and twopan sections 44. Skilled artisans will understand that the tile vent 40can have any number of cap sections and pan sections, and that all ofsuch sections are preferably provided generally above one opening 46 ofthe primary vent member 43. Also, the secondary vent member 45 canreplace any number of tiles in a field of tiles, including just one suchtile.

Vent 40 can include one or more solar panel support elements 70configured (sized and shaped) in any way suitable to support a portionof a solar panel and/or solar panel support frame, such as frame 100(FIG. 1B). Element 70 can include a body 72 extending (e.g., upwardly)from a portion of vent 40. For example, body 72 can extend from aportion of vent 40 that faces an exterior environment, or away from aroof, when vent 40 is mounted on a roof. Body 72 can extend from aportion of the cap areas 34 and/or pan areas 36. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 2B, body 72 extends from an upper-facing surface ofthe cap member 42. In some embodiments, body 72 extends from an apex ofa curved portion of a vent, such as an apex of the cap member 42 of theS-shaped vent 40 as shown. Element 70 can be permanently or removablyattached to a portion of vent 40 with a weld, threaded fastener, orsimilar attachment structure. Element 70 can be substantiallycylindrically shaped, such as the “stump-like” shape shown. Element 70may be sealed, through welding, o-rings, gaskets, or other sealingstructure, at its point of attachment to the remainder of vent 40 (suchas cap 42), to prevent leakage through the vent.

The solar panel support element 70 can include one or more engagementportions 71 suitably configured to mechanically engage the element 70with a solar panel and/or solar panel support frame. In someembodiments, engagement portion 71 may be a hole which extends eitherpartially or completely through the body 72 of element 70. Engagementportion 71 may also comprise a plurality of holes extending into orthrough the body 72 of element 70. For example, in FIG. 2A, engagementportion 71 includes two holes; however, it will be understood thatengagement portion 71 may include any number of holes or may be omittedentirely.

Engagement portion 71 can also include threads, snaps, or any structuresuitable to facilitate engagement between two components. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, engagement portion 71 is configuredas an opening extending through body 72, to allow a bolt, screw, orother mechanical fastener to extend through element 70 and hold a solarpanel and/or frame thereto. The opening can be threaded or withoutthreads. The engagement portion 71 can be aligned with a correspondingmounting hole 47 extending through a portion of vent 40, such as capmember 42, to allow a bolt, screw, or other fastener to extend through aportion of vent 40 and secure the solar panel/frame to the vent 40. Thisallows vent 40 (or a plurality thereof), which is typically made of astronger material than a roof element, to provide increased support to asolar panel/frame.

In some embodiments, the engagement portion 71 does not extend all theway through the body 72 and cap member 42 may not include a mountinghole 47. In such an embodiment, engagement portion 71 may be threaded orotherwise configured so that a solar panel or support frame can beattached (e.g., bolted) thereto. In some embodiments, engagement portion71 may not be included and the solar panel support element may beconfigured with only a support surface 73 to which a solar panel orsupport frame can be directly attached, e.g. by welding, adhesive,nails, or staples, or other suitable attachment means.

Mounting hole 47 may extend through an exposed upper surface ofsecondary vent member 45. As used herein, the term “exposed” is intendedto mean a portion of the exterior surface of vent 40 that remainsuncovered when the vent is installed onto a roof. When a roof ventmember is installed onto a roof, a portion of the roof element upslopeof the vent member, generally overlaps a portion of the downslope roofvent member. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the upper edges of thevent members 45 are covered by the lower edges of the upslope roof tiles18. This is done so that as water rolls off the higher roof member, itfalls onto a lower vent member, thus helping to create a water tightroof structure. An “exposed exterior surface” is thus a surface thatremains uncovered once the roof member is installed onto a roof. In someembodiments, the mounting hole 47 may extend through a central portionof an exposed exterior surface of secondary vent member 45, as depictedin FIG. 2A. For example, the mounting hole 47 can be positioned withinthe central 90% away from the upper and lower edge of the upper ventmember 45, for greater stability, and to avoid interfering with theoverlapping edges of the upper vent member 45 and any adjacent roofelements. For example, the mounting hole 47 may be positioned at a pointgreater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50%, relative to thedistance from any adjacent edge of the roof vent member.

Mounting hole 47 provides an attachment point where a solar panel can beattached, either directly or indirectly, by means of a solar panelsupport element (e.g., element 70 or others described herein), tosecondary vent member 45. In some embodiments mounting hole 47 may be anopening through which a bolt or other fastener can extend. Mounting hole47 may also be threaded, so that a bolt can be inserted intothreaded-engagement with mounting hole 47. Accordingly, the size ofmounting hole 47 may vary to accommodate the diameters of variousfasteners. In another embodiment, mounting hole 47 has a diameterconfigured to correspond to the diameter of an extension member of aroof deck mounted solar panel support element, as described in greaterdetail below.

In embodiments of secondary vent member 45 that include the skeleton 41spaced apart from the cap member 42, the mounting hole 47 can extendthrough cap member 42. Additionally, in other embodiments, as seen inFIGS. 2D and 2G, the mounting hole 47 can extend through cap member 42,and a second mounting hole 47A can extend through skeleton 41. Further,the first and second mounting holes 47 and 47A can be coaxially alignedwith each other, and further aligned with engagement portions 71 and71A, if present.

Vent 40 can include various features to provide additional structuralstability to a solar panel/frame mounted on element 70. For example,element 70 can include the support surface 73 on which a solarpanel/frame can be mounted, as mentioned above. Support surface 73 canbe substantially flat. Vent 40 can include portions that extend inwardlyand/or downwardly into vent 40, for additional structural stability. Forexample, one or more members can extend downwardly from a portion ofvent 40, such as cap 42, and mount to another portion of vent 40 or aportion of a roof, such as roof deck 14. Body 72 can extend through cap42 and attach to another portion of vent 40, such as screen 37 orskeleton 41, or another portion of a roof. A second body, separate frombody 72, can extend downwardly from a portion of vent 40, such as cap42, and attach to another portion of vent 40, such as screen 37 orskeleton 41, or another portion of a roof.

FIGS. 2D and 2E show an embodiment of a vent 40A that includes a secondsolar panel support element 70A mounted to another portion of vent 40A,such as skeleton 41, for additional structural stability. Supportelement 70A can include a body 72A and engagement portion 71A similar tosupport element 70. During installation, a bolt, fastener, or otherextension member can be extended through both support elements 70 and70A, to attach the vent 40A to a solar panel. A bolt or other fastenermember can be extended through both elements 70 and 70A and accessed andsecured from a position below vent 40 (e.g., without removing screen37). Support element 70A can extend through or be mounted to a portionof screen 37. In some embodiments, support element 70A can be mounted toskeleton 41, for additional structural stability. For example, as seenin FIG. 2E, support element 70A can be mounted to a skeleton portion 41Apositioned between screen sections 37A and 37B, for additionalstructural support. Support element 70A can extend from an upper orlower surface of skeleton 41 or screen 37. For example, support element70A can extend between an upper surface of skeleton 41 and a lowersurface of cap 42, to provide support therebetween.

FIG. 2F is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment ofan S-shaped vent including a roof-deck mounted solar support element200. FIG. 2G is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the portionof the S-shaped vent and roof-deck mounted solar support element 200 ofFIG. 2F. Element 200 may include a base 203 and an extension member 201extending from the base 203. The extension member 201 may include anattachment portion, such as a mounting surface 202. The attachmentportion can be configured and positioned in any way suitable to attachto a solar panel. For example, the attachment portion can be positionedat the end of the extension member 201 opposite the base 203. The base203 may be configured to mount directly or indirectly to a componentpositioned below (e.g., directly below or below, but laterally offset) aportion of a vent. For example, the base 203 can be configured to mountto roof deck 14 or primary vent member 43. Accordingly, base 203 mayinclude one or more mounting holes (not shown) or other suitableattachment element(s) configured to attach base 203 to anotherstructure, such as roof deck 14. In some embodiments a flashing member(not shown) may be included to cover base 203 thereby preventing wateror other debris from penetrating the roof deck at the point where base203 is mounted to roof deck 13. An example of such a flashing member isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 2J.

The extension member 201 may extend away from (e.g., upwardly) from thefrom base 203, to allow base 203 to be mounted below a vent, while theextension member 201 extends through a portion of the vent. In someembodiments the extension member 201 is a substantially cylindrical postas shown in FIG. 2F. However, it should be appreciated that theextension member 201 could have a different cross-sectional shape, e.g.,circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or L-shaped. Theextension member 201 can have a substantially uniform or non-uniformcross-sectional shape along its length. In some embodiments, the shapeof extension member 201 is configured to correspond to mounting holes 47and/or 47A in the secondary vent member 45 and/or holes in correspondingelements 70 and/or 70A (e.g., engagement portions 71 and 71A). In someembodiments, elements 70 and/or 70A may be omitted entirely such thatextension member 201 may extend through and one or more mounting holesin a vent, such as mounting holes 47 and/or 47A in the secondary ventmember 45. In this way, element 200 can be mounted to roof deck 14 andextend through a portion of a vent, such as secondary vent member 45, toprovide a mounting point for a solar panel generally above the secondaryvent member 45. In some embodiments, element 200 is positioned on roofdeck 14 generally below secondary vent member 45. For example, referringto FIG. 2F, one or more primary vent members 43 can be mounted on theroof deck laterally offset to the element 200.

FIGS. 2H and 2I illustrate an embodiment of a roof deck mounted solarpanel support element 200A. Element 200A can include a base 203, and anextension member 201, similar to element 200 (FIGS. 2F and 2G). Adifference is that element 200A can include an offsetting member 204extending between the base 203 and extension member 201. The offsettingmember 204 may be configured to laterally offset the base 203 from theextension member 201, thereby allowing extension member 201 to extendupward (away from base 203) at a position that is laterally offsetrelative to (e.g., not directly above) base 203. As shown in FIG. 2I,the offset member 204 can allow element 200A to be mounted to roof deck14 at a point that is laterally offset from the primary vent member 43.The offsetting member 204 is configured so that extension member 201 canextend upward (away from the roof) at a position generally above theopening in primary vent 43. Extension member 201 can then extend througha portion of a vent, such as through mounting holes 47 and/or 47A in thesecondary vent member 45, and element 70 and/or 70A if present.Extension member 201 can then attach to, directly, or indirectly, aportion of the vent. By including the offsetting member 204, the element200A can allow a solar panel to be supported generally above a secondaryvent member 45 when the secondary vent member 45 is installed directlyabove a primary vent member 43. Such an embodiment may allow thesecondary vent member and primary vent member to be approximatelyaligned with each other, which can provide improved airflow through thevent, relative to a vent that has a secondary vent member installedlaterally offset from a primary vent member.

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that element 200A canbe mounted in any position that is laterally offset relative to theprimary vent member 43 and/or secondary vent member 42. For example,element 200A can be configured and positioned on a roof deck, such thatbase 203 is mounted in a position offset from a first side of a vent,and the offsetting member 204 extends completely underneath the vent andbeyond a second side of the vent that is opposed to the first side. Suchan embodiment can allow extension member 201 to extend upwardly from theoffsetting member 204 at a position beyond the second side of the vent,such that the extension member does not extend through an opening in thevent.

Element 200A may also be configured so that the offsetting member 204extends between two or more bases 203 and the extension member 201extends from the offsetting member at a point along the offsettingmember 204 between the two bases 203. This configuration would allowelement 200A to effectively “straddle” a primary vent member 43. Such anembodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 2K.

FIG. 2J illustrates a flashing member 220 that may be used with element200A. After base 203 of element 200A is mounted to the roof deck,flashing member 220 can be installed over element 200A with the base 203covered by hood 221 and extension member 204 extending out from theopening in the hood 221. The flashing member 220 may be used when thebase 203 is attached to the roof deck at a position upslope from theextension member 201. The flashing member 220 is configured to divertwater running down the roof's slope away from the point where base 203is mounted, thereby helping to maintain the integrity of the roof.

FIG. 2K is an embodiment of a solar panel support element 200Bpositioned above a primary vent member 434. Primary vent member 434 isconfigured to be mounted on a roof deck and includes an opening 346.Opening 346 may be covered by a screen. The support element 200B caninclude two or more bases 203B with an offsetting member 204A configuredto extend between bases 203B and extend across the opening 346. Thesupport structure 205 can be attached to the primary vent member 434, oran adjacent structure, such as a portion of a roof deck. The solar panelsupport element 200B can include an extension member 201 as described inother embodiment herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2F, 2G, and 2I, the extension member 201 can besealed with respect to the secondary roof vent member 45 and/or element70 by means of a sealing element, such as a gasket 90, as seen in. Insome embodiments, the sealing element can function as an intermediatestructure that attaches a portion of a solar panel support element, suchas the extension member 201, to a portion of the vent, such as thesecondary vent member 45. Gasket 90 may be configured in size and shapeto surround element 70 when extension member 201 extends therethrough.Gasket 90 may further include a flange 92 that can be attached to thesecondary vent member 45. In some embodiments, the flange 92 is attachedto secondary vent member 45 such that a watertight seal is formedbetween the gasket 90 and the secondary vent member 45. In someembodiments, the gasket 90 is attached with adhesive and the adhesivemay form the watertight seal. In other embodiments, the gasket 90 isbolted to the secondary vent member 45 and the watertight seal isachieved by means of an O-ring disposed between the flange 92 andsecondary vent member 45. In still other embodiments, the O-ring may beomitted.

Gasket 90 may further include an opening 91 configured to allowextension member 201 to extend through the opening 91. In someembodiments a watertight seal is formed between opening 91 and extensionmember 201, by, for example, sizing the opening 91 so that the fitbetween opening 91 and extension member 201 is sufficiently tight toprovide a watertight barrier. In other embodiments a hose clamp may beinstalled below the opening, thereby providing the watertight seal. Instill other embodiments, caulking, sealing tape, welding or adhesive mayform the watertight seal. Gasket 90 may be made from rubber, plastic,metal, composite, or any other suitable material.

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that gasket 90 may beconfigured to provide a watertight seal between extension member 201 andsecondary vent member 45 and/or element 70. In some embodiments, element70 may be omitted and the gasket may form a seal between the secondaryvent member 45 and the extension member 201. In other embodiments, thegasket forms a seal between the extension member 201 and element 70 andmay not be directly attached to the secondary vent member 45. Further,it should be understood that other methods for providing a watertightseal are within the scope of this invention. For example, a gasket maynot be used and the watertight seal may still be achieved by the use ofan O-ring disposed between the extension member 201 and the secondaryvent member 45 and/or element 70. Or the joints between the extensionmember 201 and the secondary vent member 45 and/or element 70 may besealed with caulking or welding.

Although the aforementioned solar panel support elements 70, 70A, 200and 200A have been illustrated and described in the context of beingattached to an S-shaped vent, skilled artisans will understand that theycan be attached to other curved vents or flat vents, as shown throughFIGS. 3A-5.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a substantially flat tile vent 82 that includesone or more solar panel support elements 70. FIG. 3A is a perspectiveview of a portion of a tile roof comprising flat tiles 80 and having thesubstantially flat tile vent 82. The flat tile vent 82 can replace oneor more of the flat tiles 80. FIGS. 3B and 3C are perspective and bottomviews, respectively, of the tile vent 82. A variety of different typesof flat tile vents can be employed. For example, the tile vent 82 may besubstantially as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,628.Accordingly, the tile vent 82 can comprise a lower substantially flatbase 83 and a substantially flat cover member 84. The base 83 has anopening 88 in fluid communication with an aperture (not shown) in theroof deck. Preferably, the cover member has one or more openings 86,such as louvers as shown. In use, attic air travels through the roofdeck aperture, the base opening 88, and through the openings 86 and/orthrough a front opening 89 between the base 83 and a front edge orflange 85 of the cover member 84. The vent 82 is preferably configuredto blend in with and mimic the appearance of the flat tiles 80. The flattile vent 82, and its solar panel support elements 70, can functionsimilar in many ways as the S-shaped vent 40 (FIGS. 2A-2C).

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an M-shaped tile vent 110 that includes one ormore solar panel support elements 70. Vent 110 can mimic the shape ofM-shaped concrete tiles. In the illustrated embodiment, the tile vent110 mimics the appearance of five roof tiles. However, skilled artisanswill appreciate that the vent 110 can mimic the appearance of anydesired number of roof tiles, including just one roof tile, or more thanfive roof tiles.

The roof vent 110 includes a lower (primary) vent member 143 and asecondary (upper) vent member 145. The primary vent member can besimilar to primary vent member 43 (FIGS. 2A-2C). The secondary ventmember 145 can include a first (lower) portion 141 spaced below a second(upper) portion 143, similar to skeleton 41 and cap 42 (FIGS. 2A-2C).The first and second portions are joined together but separated by aspace 143. Referring to FIG. 4A, the first portion 142 includesapertures 122, or openings, through which air can flow between regionsabove and below upper member 145. In other embodiments, other openings,such as louver slits, grating or screened openings, can be used in placeof apertures 122. Referring to FIG. 4B, the second portion 141 includesopenings 135 with screens 137 through which air can flow. In otherembodiments, other openings, such as louver slits or apertures, can beused in place of screened openings 135. In use, air flows through thescreened openings 135 in the second portion 141, then through the space143, and then through the apertures 122 in the first portion 142. TheM-shaped tile vent 110, and its solar panel support elements 70, canfunction similar in many ways as the S-shaped vent 40 (FIGS. 2A-2C).

FIG. 5 illustrates an M-shaped tile vent 210 that includes one or moresolar panel support elements 70. Vent 210 can mimic the shape ofM-shaped clay tiles. In the illustrated embodiment, the tile vent 210mimics the appearance of two roof tiles. However, skilled artisans willappreciate that the vent 210 can mimic the appearance of any desirednumber of roof tiles, including just one roof tile, or more than tworoof tiles.

The roof vent 210 includes a lower (primary) vent member 243 and asecondary (upper) vent member 245 that can be similar to primary ventmember 143 and secondary vent member 145 (FIGS. 4A-4B). The secondaryvent member 245 can include a first (upper) portion 242 spaced above asecond (lower) portion 241, similar to upper portion 142 and lowerportion 141 (FIGS. 4A-4B). The M-shaped clay tile vent 210, and itssolar panel support elements 70, can function similarly to the othervents and solar panel support elements described herein.

While described and illustrated in the context of tile roofs, the panelsupport elements 70 can be applied to a variety of different types ofroof coverings, including shingles and composition sheeting.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roof vent system for supporting a solar panel,the system comprising: an upper vent member comprising a mounting holeextending through an exposed upper surface of the upper vent member; anda solar panel support element attached to the upper vent member andconfigured to support a solar panel at a position above the upper ventmember.
 2. The roof vent system of claim 1, wherein the solar panelsupport element comprises a body with a body hole extending through thebody such that the body hole and the mounting hole are coaxiallyaligned.
 3. The roof vent system of claim 2, wherein the body extendsupwardly from the upper surface of the upper vent member.
 4. The roofvent of claim 1, wherein the solar panel support element comprises abody with a hole extending through the body.
 5. The roof vent of claim1, wherein an upper surface of the upper portion of the vent member iscurvilinear.
 6. The roof vent of claim 5, wherein the solar panelsupport element is positioned on an apex of the upper surface.
 7. Theroof vent system of claim 1, wherein the upper vent member comprises anupper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from thelower portion by a gap, further comprising a second solar panel supportelement positioned between the upper and lower portions.
 8. The roofvent system of claim 7, wherein the second solar panel support elementextends from an upper surface of the lower portion towards a lowersurface of the upper portion.
 9. The roof vent of claim 8, wherein thesecond solar panel support element extends between and connects a lowersurface of the upper portion to an upper surface of the lower portion.10. The roof vent system of claim 7, wherein the mounting hole comprisesa first mounting hole extending through the upper portion, furthercomprising a second mounting hole extending through the lower portionand coaxially aligned with the first mounting hole.
 11. The roof ventsystem of claim 10, wherein the first solar panel support elementcomprises a first body with a first body hole extending through thefirst body and coaxially aligned with the first mounting hole, thesecond solar panel support element comprising a second body with asecond body hole extending through the second body and coaxially alignedwith the second mounting hole, and wherein the first body hole, thesecond body hole, the first mounting hole, and the second mounting holeare coaxially aligned with respect to each other.
 12. The roof ventsystem of claim 10, wherein the lower portion of the upper vent memberfurther comprises two screens laterally separated with respect to eachother on the lower portion, with the second mounting hole positionedbetween the two screens, and wherein the screens are configured topermit airflow between a region below the lower portion and the gap. 13.The roof vent system of claim 1, wherein the solar panel support elementcomprises a base configured to attach to a roof deck, and an extensionmember configured to extend upwardly from the base and through themounting hole.
 14. The roof vent system of claim 13, further comprisinga lower vent member permitting airflow between a region below a roofdeck and a region between the roof deck and the upper vent member,wherein the lower vent member is laterally offset with respect to theupper vent member.
 15. The roof vent system of claim 13, wherein thesolar panel support element further comprises an offsetting memberpositioned between the extension member and the base, wherein theoffsetting member extends laterally from the base.
 16. The roof ventsystem of claim 15, further comprising a lower vent member permittingairflow between a region below the roof deck and a region between theroof deck and the upper vent member, and wherein the upper vent member,the extension member, and the lower vent member are approximatelyaligned with respect to each other.
 17. The roof vent system of claim13, wherein the upper vent member comprises an upper portion and a lowerportion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap,wherein the extension member is configured to extend through the upperportion and the lower portion.
 18. The roof vent system of claim 1,wherein the upper vent member is further configured to mimic theappearance of a roof cover element.
 19. The roof vent system of claim18, wherein the upper vent member is configured to mimic the appearanceof an M-shaped roof tile, an S-shaped roof tile, or a flat roof tile.20. The roof vent system of claim 19, further comprising a sealingelement configured to seal the mounting hole of the upper vent memberwith an extension member extended through the mounting hole.
 21. Theroof vent system of claim 20, wherein the solar panel support elementcomprises a base configured to attach to a roof deck, and the extensionmember, wherein the extension member is configured to extend upwardlyfrom the base and through the mounting hole.
 22. A method of providingsupport for a solar panel on a roof, the method comprising: installing alower vent member onto an opening of a roof deck to allow airflowbetween a region below the roof deck and a region above the lower ventmember; installing an upper vent member above the lower vent member, toallow airflow between the region above the lower vent member and aregion above the upper vent member, wherein installing the upper ventmember comprises extending an extension member through an openingextending through an upper exposed surface of the upper vent member. 23.The method of claim 22, wherein extending the extension member comprisesextending the extension member between two laterally offset screens. 24.The method of claim 22, further comprising sealing the extension memberwith respect to the opening.
 25. The method of claim 22, whereininstalling the upper vent member comprises installing the upper ventmember to be laterally offset with respect to the lower vent member. 26.The method of claim 22, wherein extending the extension member comprisesextending a solar panel support element through the opening, wherein thesolar panel support member comprises the extension member.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, further comprising attaching a solar panel to thesolar panel support element.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereininstalling the upper vent member comprises installing a plurality of theupper vent members above the lower vent member, and extending theextension member comprises extending each of a plurality of solar panelsupport elements through a corresponding each of a plurality of openingsextending through a corresponding each of the upper vent members, andattaching a support frame configured to support a plurality of solarpanels to the plurality of solar panel support elements.
 29. The methodof claim 26, wherein extending further comprises extending the solarpanel support element through a first opening extending through an upperportion of the upper vent member, and through a second opening extendingthrough a lower portion of the upper vent member.
 30. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising mounting the solar panel support element tothe roof deck.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein mounting the solarpanel support element comprises mounting the solar panel support elementto the roof deck at a lateral position relative to the upper ventmember.